Jason Grey

(3:00 PM)

Hey everyone, just got back from the Texas League All-Star Game, where there were a number if impressive arms..let's see how many I can get to in the next hour...

Dan (Boston, MA)

Jason: Will Beckham get more playing time with Ramirez's injury? Is he a relable MI choice, or do stick with an old hand like Polanco (H2H league)? Thanks as always for your great work.

Jason Grey

(3:02 PM)

Well, Beckham was getting playing time regardless of Ramirez because he was playing third base, so it doesn't really matter, and absolutely Beckham is a reliable choice in my opinion, especially now that he's had 12 hits in his last six games to raise his average 100 points. There's a little more upside there that I want to see if I can get lucky and tap into than going with one of the "old hands"

Nick (Birdland)

Jason, with the Rocks surging a bit and remaining competitive for the Wild Card, are they less likely to deal street (thus giving Corpas a shot to close)? I'm holding Corpas, but could use the roster flexibility.

Jason Grey

(3:04 PM)

Well, even though they have ruled out surgery for now on Corpas, the bone chips are still there. The bigger question may be that if Street is dealt, is Corpas the one to close? Matt Daley may have worked his way into the mix.

Jason Grey

(3:04 PM)

Accidentally deleted a question on Drew vs. Jose Lopez for the rest of the season - I'll take Drew.

Felix (Bangor, ME)

Can we expect the same from Justin Upton and Brad Hawpe in the second half, or do they tail off a bit?

Jason Grey

(3:05 PM)

Justin Upton if for real, but I do expect Hawpe to fall off a bit, yet still be well worth owning.

Mike (DC)

I need pitching help and have a dearth of outfielders. Is Rios for Ubaldo a fair deal?

Jason Grey

(3:06 PM)

If you've shopped around and that's the best pitcher available to you, I wouldn't have an issue with it.

Joe (Richmond)

Any idea when Ibanez is coming back?

Jason Grey

(3:07 PM)

He said he has a "reasonable" goal of returning early next week during the series with the Reds.

Taylor (NOLA)

You starting Ryan Dempster tonight in a 10x10 h2h?

Jason Grey

(3:09 PM)

The Brewers have hit Dempster hard a couple of times this year, but he does have a 3.23 ERA in his last five despite not picking up a win, so I'm leaning towards yes.

Jeff (Jackson, MS)

How much emphasis do you place on a pitcher's ground out %? Given that, do Edwin Jackson's numbers drop a bit given his high rate of fly outs?

Jason Grey

(3:13 PM)

Like everything it all depends on context. I love groundballers, especially if it includes strikeouts, but it's not everything. I think there's some slight regression due to his low HR/FB rate, but that new slider is legit so the numbers may not slide that much.

Terry (San Fran)

Which NY OFer do you like better the rest of the way: Shef or Gardner?

Jason Grey

(3:14 PM)

Again...context - depends which categories are tightest for you and how much you need speed. In a vacuum, Gardner's steals make him the more valuable player, but it needs to be evaluated in league context.

pat (springfield)

holliday or markakis for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

(3:15 PM)

Markakis.

Chris (Taiwan)

Y/N: Encarnacion hits 12 HR after the break?

Jason Grey

(3:16 PM)

If I had to bet, I'd take the under, especially as wrist injuries can sometimes sap a player's power when they first return from a problem.

Matt (Potsdam, NY)

Cliff Lee or Josh Beckett? They're both up and down, but who would you stick with?

Jason Grey

(3:16 PM)

I was asked this very question multiple times before the season started, and my answer was the same as it is now: Beckett.

jo (Santa Cruz CA)

dodgers

Jason Grey

(3:17 PM)

Red Sox.This is a pretty easy game.

Ben (Knox, IN)

Given the possibility that Sizemore could be shut down early this year, would you try to deal him in a 10 team Keeper League if you were trying to make a run? If so, what kind of trade value does he have in his current condition?

Jason Grey

(3:22 PM)

A lot of variation of this type of question, and the answer in determining potential trade value is always the same...whatever the market will bear, which will be different in each league. All you can do is float his name out there and see what the best offer is that comes back...which could be drastically different from league to league...

Jason Grey

(3:24 PM)

It's not a given that Sizemore will have surgery before the end of the season, either, just a possibility. Adrian Beltre is a good case in point of how tricky this can be. Last year he was able to play through bone spurs in his shoulder before having offseason surgery, but this year, same thing, and he wasn't able to play through it. What helps is that the elbow surgery isn't expected to be a major one, but whether that helps him stay on the field is just speculation. They're just trying to control his symptoms as best they can.

Michael (Chicago, IL)

Does Jake Fox become invisible when Aramis returns?

Jason Grey

(3:27 PM)

It's a matter of defense, as they're really only comfortable playing him at first base, I expect he can stick around as a bench bat /spot starter now that Ryan Freel has been let go,although Jeff Baker is now on board as well.

Jason Grey

(3:30 PM)

All the Nelson Cruz questions: http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=clipboard090629He left with back stiffness last night and had four hits, two steals and a homer since getting two games off, so hopefully he's back out of it...hopefully the off day gets his back issue covered.

Robbie (PA)

Is Joe Mauer a good sell high?

Jason Grey

(3:32 PM)

There's a difference between "sell high" and "selling at peak value" - If someone wants to offer you a peak premium for Mauer, that's different than "sell high" which has a connotation of moving him before the numbers fall off a cliff. There will be regression, but at the end of the day it's still Mauer, and he's still the catcher you want on your roster. I always let everyone know there are no "untouchable" players. I listen to offers for anyone, and if someone wants to bowl me over, great.

Joe (Bleacher Seats)

Jason,I need you man, which side of this trade offer do you like? Greinke for Broxton??? 5X5 Mixed league - Thx!!

Jason Grey

(3:36 PM)

Greinke, and it's not even close, unless you are killing the other SP categories by a wide margin, and the saves standings are so close together that one stopper can be worth 6-7 points.

Brendan (Baltimore)

Jason, is there anything you see in Magglio Ordonez's swing that he could fix to turn this season around....or is he done, and consequently should I drop him (someone needs to go since I activate Aramis from DL next week)?

Jason Grey

(3:37 PM)

He's still managing the strike zone OK, but there's just no authoritative contact for whatever reason, even if the swing is largely the same. Sometimes when it goes for a player, it just goes. Considering how tenuous his lineup spot is, I have no problem making him the player that goes.

jayson (new york)

is zobrist a better option than reyes at SS going foward upon his post all star break return

Jason Grey

(3:40 PM)

I wouldn't necessarily say better, again, it's a question of what fits your team better. I'm assuming that Reyes does not return to the lineup until he's ready to run again, so it's a question of how badly you need speed in the lineup I think in most cases I take Reyes, and try to slot Zobrist and his eligibility in your lineup somewhere. I still lean towards Reyes

Red Wolf (Arkansas State University)

I've been offered Tejada and Manny for Youkilis and Scurtaro. I've got Beltran, Sizemore, Cuddyear, and Luke Scott to pick from for my OF, as well as Sandoval or Chris Davis at 1B. Your thoughts on making the deal would be greatly appreciated.

Jason Grey

(3:41 PM)

Given the makeup of your roster, I do like the Manny side of that one.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Mr. Grey,Is Jay Bruce due for an uptick, or is hovering round the Mendoza line what to expect for the rest of the season? Thanks.

Jason Grey

(3:43 PM)

The .203 average on balls in play and improved walk and strikeout rates say uptick.

Scott (NJ)

do you see a DL stint for Qualls? He just blew another save and I'm losing patience

Jason Grey

(3:47 PM)

Well, his velocity has been fine, and the forearm hasn't seen to have been a problem lately. Given the fact nobody in that 'pen is pitching well, I think as long as Qualls is on the roster, he's the guy. Worth noting that today the D-backs could not turn a double play ball behind Qualls that would have gotten him out of trouble.

Brian (STL)

Who ends up with regular jobs in the Pirates' corner OF spots after the ASBreak?

Jason Grey

(3:50 PM)

I'm betting it's eventually Milledge, McCutchen, and a battle between Young and Moss in right field. I prefer Young as the better player, but Russell seems to have an affection for Moss. Not sure Garrett Jones sticks, as he is limited to LF, which is where Milledge needs to play.

Jason Grey

(3:51 PM)

If you can't read answers to some of the questions, hit refresh on your browser. I understand it's been an intermittent problem in some of the chats.

Rocko (Illinois)

Does David Price have it turned around?

Jason Grey

(3:52 PM)

He walked five in his last outing, even though the rest of the numbers were good, so we're not quite there yet. His changeup also still needs work.

Greg (ATL)

Prado had another multi RBI game last night. Is it a hot streak or is he legit?

Jason Grey

(3:53 PM)

Just a hot streak, but more important for the fact that he's deposed Kelly Johnson as the starter. Prado can hit for an empty batting average, but that's about it.

JPM (Bmore)

I've asked every fantasy analyst on every chat since he's been called up, but no one has commented. Any take or feel on Julio Borbon, and do you think he will stay with Texas this year, or more of a 2010 guy?

Jason Grey

(3:54 PM)

Wrote a complete profile on him on Wednesday....http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=greyminorachievements090701

Floyd (San Diego) [via mobile]

Who were you most impressed with at the All-star game. Any A's prospects? Thanks!

Jason Grey

(3:57 PM)

I've seen a lot of the A's guys a lot (Donaldson, Cardenas) so there were no surprises there. Obviously, Chris Carter is noteworthy. Lot of good arms. I'm going to write Mat Latos up next week, he was the most impressive.

name (location)

what's the deal with cole hamels?

Jason Grey

(3:59 PM)

Not a whole lot.. better strikeout rate, better walk rate, average on balls in play a hundred points higher than last year says some poor luck. He's pitched like a a hurler with a a low three ERA if you looka at the peripheral numbers - good buy low chance with the ERA

Jason Grey

(4:03 PM)

Couple of questions on Aroldis Chapman who recently defected.This is going to be VERY interesting, especially if his age is legit. If you were watching the WBC, you saw a young, power lefty that dial it up to the high-90s and sit at 95 with a great pitcher's frame. He still has a lot to learn about pitching, but this negotiating process is going to be one to monitor. That's it for me, everyone, enjoy your holiday weekend.